In Graeme Thomson's book on Phil Lynott (Cowboy Song: The Authorized Biography of Philip Lynitt) the author supplies some interesting background information about the song that may shed some light about the meaning of the song:
"... while the pounding 'Massacre' was essentially a sequel to 'Emerald'. Originally titled 'Little Big Horn', it was another song on slaughter, only this time the battle -lines had moved from ancient Ireland to the nineteenth century American Plains. But even when repeating himself, Lynott was routinely capable of vivid arresting imagery. 'Massacre' tells of 'six hundred unknown heroes killed like sleeping buffalo'; towards the end of 'Fool's Gold' ..." (location: 3267, in the Kindle edition).
In Graeme Thomson's book on Phil Lynott (Cowboy Song: The Authorized Biography of Philip Lynitt) the author supplies some interesting background information about the song that may shed some light about the meaning of the song:
"... while the pounding 'Massacre' was essentially a sequel to 'Emerald'. Originally titled 'Little Big Horn', it was another song on slaughter, only this time the battle -lines had moved from ancient Ireland to the nineteenth century American Plains. But even when repeating himself, Lynott was routinely capable of vivid arresting imagery. 'Massacre' tells of 'six hundred unknown heroes killed like sleeping buffalo'; towards the end of 'Fool's Gold' ..." (location: 3267, in the Kindle edition).